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EMHSC Rules for the 2008 Season
Please note that it is important to review the rules for any changes from the 2007 year as some of the rules have been revised or changed.
For a copy of all EMHSC patterns used for the year, click on the link below. Each show will select which patterns will be applicable.
Below are the written rules for view online. Please use the link above if you plan to print the rules as they are more printer friendly.
EMHSC RULES for 2008 SEASON
Eligibility Fees: Individual $15.00
Family $25.00
In order to qualify for year end awards you must have a current eligibility. The shows you enter will not count until the eligibility fee is paid.
1. Entries will be accepted up to 2 classes prior to class. Horses need not be registered and can be of any breed.
2. Fee Schedule: $6.00 per class - $2.00 of entry goes towards year-end awards.
3. $4.00 office charge per person.
4. The horse show managers will decide on awards to be given at shows:
a) 1st place awards and ribbons to 4 places
b) paybacks and ribbons to 4 places
c) ribbons to 4 places and end of show high point awards
**At the beginning of each season, a mailing will be sent to each individual or family containing the dates, names and phone numbers of the show managers, the rules, an eligibility application, an entry form, a list of the classes and any other information which may be available at that time. At each show information will be available for the next show that season (stall rent, whether or not bedding will be available at the show, whether or not there will be concessions on the grounds, information about camping, and the location of the show). All shows will use the same entry sheets. These will be furnished by EMHSC. This will cause less hassle for the competitors when entering and less confusion for the show managers when figuring the points. EMHSC will also furnish entry forms, eligibility forms, class lists, and patterns for each show.
Show managers should have packets available containing show dates and rules with a class list, patterns and an entry form, and give a packet to each new eligible individual or family who signs up at their show. These will be furnished by EMHSC.
Before each show begins, the show manager should introduce their judges for the day and tell about them.
5. Points will be on horse and rider or horse and handler combination except for halter classes in which only the horse is judged.
6. One horse can only be shown once per class per age division except in youth speed events.
7. Exhibitor need not own the horse they exhibit.
8. Youth 12 & under cannot exhibit stallions.
9. Correct attire for English is required (English saddle, bridle, boots, hat, jacket).
10. Correct attire for Western is required (Western saddle, bridle, western boots, long sleeve shirt, western hat, belt, jeans). Chaps are optional.
11. Chaps or spurs are not allowed in the bareback equitation class.
12. To be eligible to win a year-end versatility award a contestant must compete in 2 of the 3 classes listed for yearling, Jr. Horse, and speed events. All of the 3 classes will count. For youth, novice, adult, men’s, and Jack Benny versatility awards a contestant must compete in 3 of the 4 classes listed with all 4 classes to count.
YEAR END VERSATILITY AWARDS
13. The year-end awards will be determined by class - the points in 3 shows will be dropped (not the entire shows - just the lowest points in that class at whatever 3 shows are the lowest). If you do not compete in more than 6 shows no points will be dropped. If you compete in 9 shows - points from three will be dropped. If you compete in 8 shows points from two will be dropped. If you compete in 7 shows points from one will be dropped. You must compete in a minimum of 4 shows to be eligible for year-end awards. In case of a tie for any award, the horse or the exhibitor with the most first (1st) placings will have the edge. If a tie persists, the horse or exhibitor with the most second (2nd) placings, the third (3rd) placings and so on down to sixth (6th) placings will receive the edge. If a tie still persists, the horse or exhibitor beating the most competitors receives the edge.
***In case a horse should get sick or injured and unable to compete in 1/2 of the shows, a vet certificate showing that the horse is unable to compete and why will make their points count. The points from the injured horse will continue through the first change of horses only -after that the points must start over. Contestant must notify directors what horse will be used in order for the points from that horse to count with the points from the sick or injured horse. This may be done until the sick or injured horse recovers or for the remainder of the season.
14. Point System
The points will be the same regardless of how many horses are in the class:
1st place - 6 points
2nd place - 5 points
3rd place - 4 points
4th place - 3 points
5th place - 2 points
6th place - 1 point
15. One of three patterns will be used for the year at all shows in reining and equitation classes. There will be no surprise patterns.
16. Should any question or dispute arise not provided for in the rules, it must be submitted in writing to the show committee with a $25.00 deposit to be refunded only if complaint upheld. Decision of the committee is final.
In the event that an NSF check is received by any show manager all points and awards will be withheld until such time as restitution is made. A $25 charge will apply. This is the EMHSC policy on NSF checks.
17. In order for a year-end prize to be given in a class that class must have at least one contestant who entered that class at least 4 times during the season. If at least one competitor has not entered that particular class at least 4 times during the season no award will be given in that class.
18. No refunds will be made on withdrawals unless a veterinary certificate is submitted for the horse or a physician's certificate for the exhibitor to the show office. Stall fees and office fees are non-refundable.
19. The show will not be responsible for any accidents to persons, horses, equipment or loss of equipment. Presentation of entry blank shall be deemed acceptance of this rule.
20. For horse show purposes, the age of an individual on January 1st will determine their age for the entire show season. Youth - 18 and under; adult - 19 and over; pee wee - 9 and under.
21. For competition purposes, horses are considered to be one year old on the first day of January following the actual date of foaling. They maintain that age for the entire competition year regardless of the actual birth date.
22. We recommend that a horse be three (3) years old or older to be shown in classes 49 through 60. .
Junior horses are 5 years old and younger.
Senior horses are 6 years old and older.
***Abuse of horses will not be tolerated. You will be excused from the show premises - no entry fees will be refunded. A rider's mistakes should not be taken out on the horse.
Class Specifications
***AQHA rules will be followed. However, each show manager shall specify to their judges that horses will be shown as their breed. Each show manager should send a copy of our rules to their judges far enough in advance so as the judges will have time to familiarize themselves with the rules.
**Memo to show managers - show managers should get together with their judges and ask them to watch for equipment and riders using two hands when using any shank bit.
**Memo to show managers - show managers should be sure to clarify to their judges the cowboy pleasure class is judged as a pleasure class - example leads are to count. It is imperative for a judge to know how a horse should move; example - the difference in movement of the English pleasure horse compared to the Western pleasure horse.
For pattern classes all horses will enter the arena at the same time. For all other classes when the horses line up for placing the next class needs to enter the arena. This will help speed up the show as there are a lot of classes to go through in a day.
Halter Classes - Horses shall be shown as their breed. Halter horses may be shown by other members of EMHSC.
Yearling Longe Line Class (these rules were taken partially from the rules of NSBA - National Snaffle Bit Assoc. ).
The purpose of the class is to reward: A) quality of movement, B) conformation, C) trainability. Even though appropriate levels of training will be recognized, these horses are not expected to demonstrate behavior or performance beyond that necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge. Equipment - Horses are to be shown in a halter, regular or show type is acceptable. For the longeing demonstration, the only attachment allowed to the halter is the longe line. The longe line may not exceed 30 feet in length with a chain or snap attached to the halter. The longe line must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the horse. A longe whip is optional and chains over the nose or under the jaw are prohibited. Mechanical or retractable longe lines are not allowed. Attire - Conventional western attire is mandatory except if a prospect is considered to be a Hunt Seat prospect then convention English attire is optional. Judging - The judge will be outside the longeing circle. The exhibitor will enter the arena and await the whistle (or other signal) to start. When the whistle is blown (or other signal is given), the exhibitor will be allowed 90 seconds (1½ minutes) to present their horse. At the end of the 90 seconds the whistle will blow again (or time will be called) to signify the end of the run. There will be a “half-way (45 second)” whistle or announcement. The horse will be scored at the walk, jog or long trot, and lope or canter in both directions. The exhibitor may begin work in the direction of their choice (counter or clockwise). At the end of the 90 seconds, whistle will be blown (or time will be called) and the exhibitor shall at the request of show management either retire from the longeing area to the far end of the ring or leave the ring and wait nearby to return for the final lineup. If the horses remain in the ring, they are to stand quietly on the wall while the other exhibitors are being judged.
The horses are judged 70% on movement and 30% on conformation. Judge should give a preliminary performance conformation score as horse is entering and performing. If the horse’s nose, mouth or jaw areas show signs of broken skin, rawness or bleeding, the horse will be eliminated from competition.
If the horse is playing on the longeing line, it shall not count against the horse. The horse should be judged as though the pleasure prospect was playing in the fields. The judge may at his/her discretion, penalize the horse for incorrect leads, excessive bucking or running off or displaying attitudes that are uncomplimentary to pleasure horses such as excessive ear pinning or tail wringing.
Exhibitors are encouraged to exhibit their horse making full use of a 20' radius circle (measured from exhibitor to horse) as they will be scored on this.
Pony Class - open to all horses 14.0 hands and under.
Green Horse - Horse of any age in 1st year of showing. Horses who qualify are considered "Green" for the full competition year. May be shown two handed with a non-shanked snaffle or bosal hackamore.
Novice Rider - Rider of any age not to have won three first place awards in any open or breed association show or have won a year-end novice award in that class. Riders who qualify are considered "Novice" for the full competition year per event.
Western Pleasure - To be shown at a walk, jog-trot and lope both ways of the ring on a reasonable loose rein without undue restraint. To be judged on performance 60%, conformation 30% and appearance 10%. Extended gaits may be asked for upon judge's request. Maximum credit should be given to the flowing, balanced, and willing horse that gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride. Horses will be penalized for excessive slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum (resulting in an animated and/or artificial gait at the lope); overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical; head carried too low (such that the tip of the ear is below the withers).
Men’s Cowboy Pleasure - This is open to males of all ages. It is to be judged the same as the western pleasure class with the same criteria and the same emphasis on correct leads. The only difference is it is open only to males.
Western Equitation - Riders will be judged on seat, hands, ability to control and show horse and suitability of horse to rider. Horses must be ridden one handed with a standard western bit. Patterns for this class will be posted or announced.
English Pleasure - To be shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. Rider may be dressed in hunter or saddle seat attire. To be judged on performance 60%, conformation 30% and appearance 10%. The quality of the movement and the consistency of the gaits is a major consideration. Extended gaits may be asked for upon judge's request. Horses will be penalized for excessive slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum; overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical; head carried too low (such that poll is below the withers).
English Equitation - Rider may be dressed in hunter or saddle seat attire. Riders will be judged on seat, hands, ability to control and show horse and suitability of horse to rider.
Gaited Horse - The term gaited horse has come to mean horses that boast gaits other than the walk, trot, and canter.
Hunter Hack - This class is suggested for experienced jumpers only.
The hunter hack horse should move in the same style as a working hunter. The class will be judged on style over jumps, even hunting pace, flat work, manners and way of going. The poll should be level with, or slightly above the withers, to allow proper impulsion behind. The head should not be carried behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance.
Helmets are mandatory. Two jumps are required with the maximum height being 29 inches. If jumps are set on a line they are recommended to be in increments of 12 feet but adjusted to no less than two strides. A ground line is recommended for each jump.
Horses are then to be shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring with light contact.
At the discretion of the judge, contestants may be asked to hand gallop, pull up or back and stand quietly following the last fence.
Placing shall be determined by allowing a minimum of 70% for individual jumps and a maximum of 30% for work on the flat.
Trail - Horses are required to work over and through obstacles. Course to include a jog-trot and lope of suitable duration to determine the way of going. Rail work shall be not required. Entry will be evaluated on responsiveness, willingness and general attitude. Riders hands shall be clear of horse to avoid cueing. Hand may be changed on the reins or lead to negotiate an obstacle.
a) Senior Horse - must be ridden one handed with a standard western bit.
b) Junior Horse - may be ridden two handed with a bosal hackamore or non-shanked snaffle. One hand must be used if ridden with a shanked bit.
c) Yearling Trail - yearlings are to be shown in a halter.
Course to include a minimum of six obstacles and a maximum of eight obstacles. Examples of obstacles which may be required are:
a. Negotiating gate
b. Carrying objects from one part of arena to another
c. Riding through water hazard/ditch or over simulated
brush
d. Riding over at least four logs/poles
e. Crossing a bridge
f. Backing through obstacles
g. Sidepassing
h. Serpentine obstacles at walk or jog
i. Remove and replace materials from mailbox
j. Riding into any obstacle consisting of four logs/poles laid in a square, executing a turn and exiting square
k. Performing over any reasonable conditions encountered along the trail
Ground ties are not permitted - neither are logs or poles elevated in a manner that permits them to roll. For a list of items not allowed refer to the AQHA handbook.
Pleasure Driving - Judged 80% on the horse’s performance and suitability for assuring a pleasurable drive, with a maximum of 20% on condition and conformation.
No extended hoofs, heavy shoes or toe weights allowed.
Horses shall enter the ring in the same direction. Each horse shall be exhibited in both directions of the show ring. At the direction of the ring steward, such change of direction shall be accomplished by the horses crossing the show ring while walking only.
Each horse shall also be required to back easily and straight and stand quietly.
No exhibitor shall drive a horse while standing in the cart, nor shall any horse be unbridled or unattended while hooked to a cart.
Showmanship Class - 9 Years & Younger and Special Circumstances - This will be a regular showmanship class but open only to youth 9 years of age or younger or someone with special circumstances which make it hard for them to compete in a regular showmanship class. Each contestant may have a handler if they wish to do so.
Costume Class - This is not a working class. It will be judged only on suitability of horse to rider and costume. Costumes need not be elaborate. All horses, ponies, and handlers of all ages and all levels are eligible. Handlers are allowed. Examples might be clown/circus horse, cowboy, native american, packer, trapper, hunter jumper, Arabian costumes, etc.
Free Style Reining - Exhibitor must furnish own props - music, etc. Maneuvers may be performed in any order but all must be performed. Exhibitors entered in both reining - all ages and free style reining shall go first in the reining - all ages class so as to have time to get ready for the free style reining class. These rules are taken from the General Rules of NRHA (couldn’t find any free style reining rules from AQHA). Freestyle Reining provides an opportunity to use maneuvers creatively, and to expand them to music by means of choreography. Riders are encouraged to use musical scores which permit them to show the athletic ability of the horse in a crowd appealing way.
(1) Required maneuvers. Will be defined as follows:
(a) A minimum of 4 consecutive spins to the right
(B) A minimum of 4 consecutive spins to the left
(C) A minimum of 3 stops
(D) A minimum of 1 lead change at the canter from right to left
(E) A minimum of 1 lead change at the canter from left to right
(2) Exhibitors will only be judged astride
(3) Exhibitors are allowed to use two hands (as well as one or no hands) and any bit approved by the NRHA Handbook, including snafflebits and bosals approved for used in the Snaffle Bit or Hackamore classes.
(4) Additional maneuvers such as rollbacks, backups, speed variations, and non-classical reining maneuvers such as half pass and side pass are appropriate in Freestyle and shall be given appropriate credit. Additional repetitions or required maneuvers are appropriate, but will only add or subtract from the existing scores already given for the required maneuvers, not as additional scores.
(5) Equipment used in Freestyle must adhere to the following standards:
(A) All equipment must be non-abusive and humane based on NRHA Rules and Guidelines.
(B) Any equipment not specifically covered by or in conflict with standard equipment guidelines must be non-abusive to the horse.
(6) Time limit. A maximum of 3½ minutes including any introductions. The time limit will be from the beginning of the music or from the beginning of the introduction (whichever is first) and will end with the music.
(7) Costumes. Permitted but not required. Emphasis is placed on performing the reining maneuvers to music.
(8) Props. Permitted but at no time may hinder the judges’ view of the horse. The use of props will not add to the score.
Ranch Horse - Will be held in arena. Five of the nine obstacles to be used in any combination.
a. Ground tie
b. Open gate
c. Rope a dummy
d. drag something behind horse
e. Railwork - judge's option
f. slicker
g. dismount and mount
h. logs
i. load in trailer
j. cow work if cattle available - any type of cattle may be used - cows, steers, yearlings, calves
Flag Race - One flag will be used. The flag is to be picked up from a bucket on the first barrel and put into a bucket on the second barrel. The two barrels are to be set across from each other. Cannot touch horse with flag - to do so is disqualification.
Pee Wee Speed Events - Each individual show has the option of adjusting (shortening) the pattern. This would be to conserve time. Examples - remove last 2 poles in pole bending, shorten distance between barrels, use only one barrel and either put in or remove one flag in the flag race, etc.
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